What can I expect on the first day of Year 7 in September?

When you arrive in September you will report to the Tennis Courts just as you did on Transition Days. Your form tutor will meet you there and take you to your Form room. You will have extra form time on the first day so you can get organised with your timetable and the layout of the day. You will also take part in our Inauguration Ceremony where you will be formally welcomed into our Sir John Nelthorpe School community.

How do you make friends if not many came from your primary?

We have so many opportunities for you to meet new people and make new friends, the mix of pupils in your lessons will often be different in some subjects so you will sit next to a wide variation of people. We also have so many clubs you could join, your form tutor will share them with you, and they will also be shared on Nelthorpe News. We also spend the whole first term in PSHCE learning about navigating Transition and making new friends.

Do we need to bring our PE kit on the first day?

You do not need to bring your PE kit on the very first day, you won’t know what lessons you have so there is no expectation for you to bring it.

Where do you catch your bus?

Buses leave from Grammar School Road Site and Wrawby Road Site. Depending on which bus you get will depend on which side you get it from.

Buses that leave from the Grammar School Road Site: 402, 421, 422, 422S, E2, E3, H1A, 94B, 402A.

Buses that leave from Wrawby Road Site: 403, 405, 411, 410.

What’s on the menu at lunchtime?

We have a wide variety of food available at lunchtime, including a main meal everyday, paninis, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and pasta. Termly menus will be shared and repeat every three weeks.

Do I have to bring all of my books in everyday?

You do not need to bring all of your books everyday, just bring the books for the lessons you have on your timetable for that day.

Do you have lockers?

We do not have lockers at Sir John Nelthorpe School, it is your responsibility to be organised and bring with you only the things you need for the school day.

What happens if I forget something?

Since you are now in secondary school, remembering your items is your responsibility, if you forget something then you will have to do without it on the school day.

What happens if I feel unwell?

If you don’t feel well then you should go to Pupil Reception.

Are phones allowed in school?

You are not allowed to use your phone in school, it should be kept switched off and in your bag at all times. If you are seen with it, a member of staff will take it off you and you can collect it from Pupil Reception at the end of the day. If this happens more than once, your parent/carer will have to collect your phone from school. The mobile phone policy is available on the school website.

How will I find my way around such a big school?

You will have a map in your Pupil Planner to help you and there is always someone to ask. Don’t worry, you will soon become familiar with your new school.

What happens if I get lost and I’m late?

Firstly, there is no need to worry. There’s always plenty of staff and fellow pupils to help so you can ask one of them for directions or there is a school map printed in your planner.

How will I know what lessons and teachers I have?

You will be given a timetable on your first day to stick into your pupil planner. It tells you what subject you have, your teacher and the room you’ll be taught in.

What type of earrings are and are not allowed?

One 4mm plain stud is permitted in each earlobe only. We also allow one plain ring but no other jewellery is allowed.

Can I bring my own snacks to school?

You can bring your own snacks to school but they must only be eaten at break and lunchtimes.

What happens if I lose something?

You should first retrace your steps to see if you can find it. If not, then please go to Pupil Reception and the staff will help you.

Can I wear trainers to school?

No, you can’t wear trainers for school. Your shoes must be black, sturdy, formal style and able to be polished. There are full details of our Uniform Policy on our website.

What equipment do I need?

We recommend that you bring a Ballpoint Pen, Pencil and Sharpener, Ruler, Highlighter and Protractor, You should also bring a refillable water bottle every day too.

How much homework will I get?

You will get up to an hour of homework every day of up to twenty minutes per subject. Homework is set using a homework timetable and in a variety of ways.

What time do I need to be at school?

School opens at 8.15am and all pupils need to be here by 8.40am. If you are late, please go to the Main Reception at Grammar School Road Site to be signed in.

What time does school finish?

School finishes at 3.25pm. The buses don’t leave until 3.35pm to make sure everyone has time to get to the bus queue.

Advice from our current Year 7 Pupils

Our fantastic current Year 7 pupils have written some great advice for our new pupils. We are really looking forward to you all joining us in September!

• Take care of the map and read it more to help find your way around the school - some of our pupils made their own map!
• Know your timetable well.
• Having lots of lessons and teachers can be confusing but it’s also more fun than primary school.
• I was surprised at how many of us made new friends and changed or added to our friendship groups. This was good!
• Come well equipped for lessons.
• Walk on the left in the corridors.
• Change quickly for PE or you will miss out.
• Teachers are not as scary as you think.
• Lessons go fast as they are shorter than primary.
• There are lots of opportunities for enrichment and out of school activities.
• Don't worry about the bus, it is fun.